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Sen. Lieu. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien (right), Deputy Minister of National Defense, receives UN Under-Secretary General Jean-Pierre Lacroix in Hanoi on June 13 (Photo: qdnd.vn)

UN Under-Secretary General praises Vietnam's contributions to peacekeeping missions

UN Under-Secretary General Jean-Pierre Lacroix on June 13 commended Vietnam’s increasingly active and effective engagement in peacekeeping operations and reiterated his consistent support for the country's efforts to enhance its cooperation with the UN in this field.

Meeting with Sen. Lieu. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense in Hanoi, he appreciated the capability and professionalism of Vietnam’s peacekeeping forces, expressing confidence that Vietnam will continue to make effective contributions to and play an increasing role in joint UN missions.

For his part, Chien stated Vietnam remains committed to expanding its participation in UN peacekeeping operations through deploying additional units such as mechanised infantry, communications, airport support teams, and others.

He said that these units will be registered with the UN’s Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System (PCRS) in accordance with procedures, ensuring readiness for deployment to field missions. Vietnam also intends to nominate personnel for senior positions within the UN system, he said.

The Deputy Minister thanked the UN for accompanying Vietnam during the past nearly 50 years since the country became a member state, and praised Lacroix’s significant contributions to global peacekeeping efforts, particularly through his leadership in advancing the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative and its successor, A4P+, for the 2021–2023 period.

Chien expressed gratitude to the UN and the Under-Secretary-General in particular for their continued support and efforts to strengthen and expand cooperation in recent years. He expressed a hope that the UN and Lacroix personally will continue to provide guidance and assistance to enable the Vietnam People’s Army to make even more effective contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.

Lacroix, in turn, commended Vietnam’s increasingly active and effective engagement in peacekeeping operations. He reiterated the UN’s full support for Vietnam’s efforts to deepen cooperation and broaden its contributions to global peace and stability.

Highlighting Vietnam’s increasingly active and effective participation in UN peacekeeping operations, he affirmed the UN’s continued support for Vietnam and its efforts to deepen and expand cooperation in this field, cited VNA.

The UN Under-Secretary-General also commended the capability and professionalism of Vietnam’s peacekeeping forces, expressing confidence that Vietnam will continue to make meaningful contributions and play an expanded role in joint UN missions.

Since June 2014, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense has successfully deployed nearly 1,100 personnel to UN peacekeeping operations and the UN headquarters, in both individual and unit-based formats.

Individually, Vietnam has sent approximately 153 officers to serve as staff officers and military observers at UNMISS (South Sudan), MINUSCA (Central African Republic), UNISFA (Abyei), and at the UN headquarters in New York.

In terms of unit deployments, Vietnam has operated six level-2 field hospitals at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) since October 2018. Since May 2022, three engineering teams have been dispatched to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei.

Notably, Vietnam has one of the highest proportions of female personnel participating in UN peacekeeping missions, with women making up over 16% of its deployed forces, well above the global average. The Ministry of National Defense has committed to maintaining and increasing female participation, targeting a rate of over 20% for individual roles and over 15% for unit-based deployments by the 2025–2030 period.

PM Pham Minh Chinh’s Europe trip yields substantive outcomes, says chief diplomat

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s recent Europe trip has yielded significant results, reaffirming Vietnam’s open foreign policy, deep international integration, and commitment to expanding practical cooperation with key European partners, according to Deputy Prime minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

The Europe tour that lasted from June 5 – 14 took Chinh to Estonia, France and Sweden at the invitations of the leaders of these countries. During his stay in France, the Prime Minister also attended the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) and engaged in various sideline activities there.

The Prime Minister held in-depth discussions with senior leaders, met with business leaders, academics, and the Vietnamese communities in all three countries. Ministries, sectors, and localities accompanying the delegation also conducted productive cooperation activities.

Son told the media that the trip has helped enhance political trust. This marked the first-ever visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to Estonia, and the first visit to Sweden in six years, further advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership with France and longstanding friendships with Estonia and Sweden.

The countries highly appreciated Vietnam’s role and position, valued their relationship with Vietnam, and desired to effectively maintain the momentum of cooperation, further strengthening and deepening ties with the Southeast Asian country.

“Through these relationships, we aim to expand comprehensive cooperation with the European Union and promote Vietnam’s role as a bridge between EU countries and the Indo-Pacific region,” said Son.

The working visit has breathed new life into traditional cooperation frameworks, according to the chief diplomat. Discussions between the Prime Minister and leaders of partner countries focused on expanding cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, and economy. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to unlocking the full potential of bilateral cooperation, particularly through effective implementation of the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

In addition, they reached broad consensus on deepening cooperation in key areas such as security and defense, energy, infrastructure, education and training, culture, sports, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and locality-to-locality partnerships.

The working trip has also helped define new frameworks for cooperation in emerging sectors where partner countries have strengths and Vietnam has growing needs. Notably, Vietnam and Sweden established a strategic sectoral partnership in science, technology, and innovation. Both France and Estonia affirmed their readiness to work with Vietnam in areas such as digital transformation, innovation, and the green and circular economies, through the sharing of best practices, experience, and technological solutions in the near future.

Vietnam has also made a strong impression through its active and constructive engagement in the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC). The Prime Minister co-chaired a summit on Deltas of the World and delivered remarks on behalf of the 10 ASEAN member states at the UNOC 3. Vietnam was among the countries making the most voluntary commitments, 15 in total, on marine governance issues, demonstrating its strong political will and comprehensive action toward achieving sustainable development goals.

Many senior leaders and international organizations expressed support for Vietnam’s views and proposals, recognising the country’s notable achievements in developing a sustainable ocean-based economy, according to VOV.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

Finally, Son said, throughout the Prime Minister’s meetings and engagements, Vietnam and its partners have reached a shared understanding on the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in each region, and resolving disputes by peaceful means in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This also reflects the strong interest, support, and close cooperation of other countries with Vietnam on international and regional issues of mutual concern, based on the common commitment to upholding and respecting international law, thereby contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and cooperation.

Attending the UNOC 3 in Nice, France, the Prime Minister held meetings and exchanges with numerous heads of state, heads of government, and leaders of countries and international organizations, including French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The countries and international organizations highly valued Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development, improvements in people's living standards, and the country’s rapid transformation in its rise toward a new era.

During the trip, the Prime Minister also met with and listened to Vietnamese expatriates, including intellectuals and businesspeople, who expressed pride and joy at the country’s development achievements and affirmed their strong determination to contribute even more to the homeland.

To translate these outcomes into reality, Son said, Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities should work closely and proactively with partner countries to increase high-level engagement and exchanges across all levels and channels; effectively implement agreed-upon directions, mechanisms, and cooperation frameworks; actively explore the expansion of cooperation in various fields, and meet voluntary commitments on ocean governance.

“We firmly believe that with strong commitment and coordinated action by all ministries, agencies, localities, and businesses, these agreements and pledges will be effectively realized,” concluded the chief diplomat.

Vietnam soars in popularity among Russian tourists

Thailand remains a favourite for Russian tourists, but Vietnam has seen a dramatic surge in demand with a 140 percent increase in visitors this summer, according to Artur Muradyan, Vice-President of the Russian Tour Operators Association and CEO of Space Travel.

More than 6.4 million Russians are expected to travel abroad this summer, a significant jump from 5.15 million in the same period last year, Muradyan said at the le’TO 2025 annual tourism awards briefing.

This growth is being driven by several factors, including a stronger rouble and lower airfares across many destinations, he added.

While perennial favorites such as Turkey and Abkhazia continue to attract consistent interest, a number of newer markets appear to be gaining traction this summer. Among them, Vietnam has seen notable growth thanks to the launch of new direct and charter flights, according to VNA.

Russian tourists pose for a photo after landing at Cam Ranh International Airport, Khanh Hoa province, on April 18, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Besides, he said that other rising stars in international travel include Malaysia, Morocco, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Japan, and the Seychelles. Transit routes have also opened up access to previously less-visited destinations such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and parts of Indonesia outside Bali.

Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions. He also noted growing interest among Russian travelers in countries like Japan, the RoK and Iran.

According to him, this reflects a broader trend of Russian tourists seeking out more distinctive and lesser-known destinations, underscoring the rapid expansion of Russia’s tourism geography.

Historic resolution marks bold administrative reform in Vietnam

With a landmark vote, Vietnam reduces its provinces from 63 to 34, advancing an ambitious plan to streamline governance and foster sustainable development.

On the morning of June 12, with 461 out of 465 deputies in favor, Vietnam’s National Assembly officially passed a historic resolution to consolidate provincial-level administrative units. The resolution took immediate effect, reducing the number of provinces and centrally governed cities from 63 to 34.

This legislative move marks a critical milestone in the nation's administrative reform journey. By approving the merger of provincial units, the National Assembly, on behalf of the people, made a decisive step in restructuring Vietnam’s overly bulky and costly bureaucracy, which has long been criticized for inefficiencies and hindering business and development.

Under the new structure, 52 provinces are being merged into 23 new administrative units, while 11 retain their current boundaries (Hanoi, Hue, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Cao Bang).

This dramatic reduction signifies a unified political will and high-level commitment to reconfiguring Vietnam’s development space, ending the fragmented and uncoordinated growth of past decades. The aim is a streamlined administration capable of stronger governance, strategic planning, and equitable development across regions.

Beyond merging borders, this reform enhances governance capacity, strengthens decentralization, and builds a foundation for sustainable, competitive growth on a national and global scale.

From the Politburo’s initial session on March 7 to the resolution’s passage, the reform took just over three months. In that time, massive efforts were mobilized: province mergers, reduction of 70% of communes and wards, a shift to a two-tier local government model, reorganization of mass organizations, and early retirement for underqualified staff. This comprehensive overhaul is a historic pivot toward a leaner, more capable government.

Earlier reforms had already trimmed Vietnam’s central government to 17 ministries, five fewer than before. This lays the groundwork for reducing local administrative overhead and improving the quality of public servants, especially at the commune level, ahead of the July 1 implementation of the new two-level local government system, VNN reported.

Ho Chi Minh City, one of 11 localities unaffected by the provincial consolidation. Photo: Hoang Ha

“Run and line up” - a phrase coined by General Secretary To Lam months ago - might have sounded curious, even dubious, at first. But it now embodies a governing philosophy: one of agility, decisiveness, and smart adaptation.

It reflects a deep leadership mindset that balances rapid change with order, enabling the country to stay responsive while grounded. In an age of intense global competition and transformative opportunities, Vietnam must act fast, seize its moment, and avoid stagnation.

The government has rapidly translated major policies into concrete action: streamlining legal frameworks, unblocking institutional bottlenecks, promoting innovation, empowering local governments with more autonomy and responsibility, simplifying administrative procedures, and cutting costs for citizens and businesses.

Vietnam’s development cannot afford hesitation. It demands decisive leadership. “Running while lining up” ensures that progress is swift yet orderly, preventing reckless rushes while maintaining legal and structural integrity.

This approach calls for bold, insightful, and flexible leaders - those who can grasp opportunities, creatively apply policy, and adapt regulations to real-life contexts.

The latest administrative reform, with provincial mergers and the two-tier local government model, is nothing short of a structural revolution. It paves the way for a more rational administrative framework and stronger regional economic zones, combining coastal and forest resources for new growth pathways.

By late June, localities will announce their new administrative maps and leadership structures. From July 1, the new model will officially come into operation.

“Running while lining up” is not just a catchy phrase. It is a philosophy of smart, scientific governance tailored to Vietnam’s development needs in a new era. It is the key to sustaining high economic growth, aiming for double-digit expansion and achieving high-income status in a future of prosperity and happiness.

Vietnamese businesses lead global shift toward AI hiring

The “2025 Work Trend Index” — based on a survey of 31,000 people across 31 countries, including 1,000 in Vietnam — reveals that Vietnamese companies are at the forefront of AI adoption in the workplace.

The report combines insights from Microsoft 365, LinkedIn hiring trends and perspectives from AI start-ups, economists and academics. It highlights a widening gap between workforce capacity and rising productivity demands.

In Vietnam, 67% of business leaders surveyed said increasing productivity is a priority, yet 84% of employees reported lacking the time and energy to complete their tasks, both figures notably higher than the global averages of 53% and 80%, respectively.

“AI is becoming a sustainable resource for businesses — abundant, essential and scalable,” the report stated, adding that it also allows organisations to overcome limitations in workforce size and expertise.

According to the study, 95% of Vietnamese leaders expect to use digital labour to expand their workforce within the next 12 to 18 months, compared to 82% globally. Furthermore, 83% believe AI can empower less experienced employees to take on strategic roles more quickly.

The top five areas expected to see AI investment in the next six to 12 months include product development, customer service, marketing, cybersecurity and financial performance. Other potential fields include business forecasting, customer insights, law, training and supply chain management.

At the report’s launch, General Director of Microsoft Vietnam Nguyen Quynh Tram said digital labour will reshape even the most established enterprises and give rise to entirely new business models, cited VNS.

Customers take a look at an AI facial recognition software system. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Microsoft’s analysis of LinkedIn data shows that AI start-ups are hiring at twice the rate of major tech companies. Globally, 78% of business leaders are evaluating AI-related hiring, while in Vietnam the figure rises to 91%.

“Countries in the Asia-Pacific, including Vietnam, are poised to gain a competitive edge by embracing AI early,” the report noted, adding that just as the internet ushered in a wave of knowledge jobs, AI is now creating entirely new roles.

New AI-driven roles emerging in Vietnam and globally include AI trainers, agent and data specialists, ROI analysts and AI strategists for marketing, finance and customer support.

Experts recommend that employees build AI skills and that companies support this transformation through tools and training. According to the report, AI literacy and digital skills are the top two workforce strategies moving forward.

Basic AI knowledge is now considered one of the five most essential skills in the new world of work — alongside conflict resolution, adaptability, process optimisation and creative thinking.

“AI has opened access to knowledge that was once only available to large corporations, enabling individuals and businesses to succeed regardless of their size or technical background,” Tram said.

“However, technology only delivers value when people are ready to embrace it. Leaders must invest not only in technology but also in digital mindset, skill-building, and collaboration between humans and AI. This is the key to unlocking Vietnam’s full potential in the AI era,” she added.

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